Fulham have tabled a £20m bid to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock in a late swoop, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Cottagers are keen to strengthen their squad this month after recovering from a slow start to sit four points off the top four, with a striker and new midfielder seen as priorities for January, having already added Norway international Oscar Bobb to their attack.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign and are keen to keep most of their squad together before Monday's deadline, with Eddie Howe hoping to qualify for the Champions League once again, while the team have already qualified for the playoff round of this season's tournament.
Exclusive: Newcastle Reject Fulham Bid for Willock
Newcastle United's Joe Willock
Willock, who has been described as 'rapid', has struggled for regular football this season at St James' Park, making just two starts in the Premier League all season, while he scored against PSG in midweek in what was his second start in the Champions League too.
His versatility and quality are seen as being important to the Newcastle squad, and is also a reason why Fulham have made a move to add him to Marco Silva's squad.
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that a bid worth £20m was sent in to the offices at Newcastle, but was rejected by the decision makers at the club. It's understood that Willock is keen on the move, which would see him return to London, having come through the Arsenal academy.
However, Newcastle are not willing to sanction the deal unless they are able to find a replacement in this window, and with the deadline being on Monday at 7pm UK time, that seems unlikely at this stage.
Newcastle Can't Let Willock Leave Now
Newcastle United's Joe Willock
Premier League - Arsenal v Newcastle United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Newcastle United's Joe Willock reacts REUTERS/David Klein
Newcastle have got a very strong squad, but a number of their players this season have been underperforming, and that has seen Howe mix and match on occasion.
The midweek draw with Paris Saint-Germain was a good example of that, as he brought in the likes of Willock to the starting lineup, and they were still able to come away with a positive result, with those players having a big impact.
Willock is able to play in multiple midfield roles and also on the wings, and if he can stay fit then he could prove to be a vital member of the squad in the coming months, and without replacing him, losing him would be a major blow.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe after losing to West Ham United. Related
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